The escalating security challenges emphasize the pressing need for the prompt implementation of state police as a solution to the rampant violence. It is imperative for both state and federal governments, as well as the federal and state assemblies, to expedite this process to prevent the country from descending into chaos.
Currently, 20 out of the 36 state governors have expressed support for the establishment of state police, while 16 governors remain undecided. Given the increasing audacity of criminals, any further delay in their decision-making poses significant risks.
While it is encouraging to see an increase from 16 to 20 supportive governors in March, it is crucial that the remaining governors do not prolong the process.
Nigeria is grappling with a wave of violence and insecurity. Recent incidents include the abduction of villagers in Kaduna State, arson attacks by terrorists in Katsina State, and frequent killings in Benue and Plateau states.
According to SBM Intelligence data, 2,371 Nigerians lost their lives in the first quarter of 2024, with 123 of them being security personnel.
The Fund for Peace ranks Nigeria as the 15th most vulnerable country on the 2023 Fragile States Index, with Finland topping the list. Additionally, the Global Terrorism Index identifies Nigeria as the eighth most terrorized nation, citing Islamic terrorism, banditry, and genocidal attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
Various challenges persist, such as the activities of the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra in the South-East and rampant oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
Farmers fear going to their fields due to the risk of kidnapping and violence, while the night economy suffers due to armed robbery incidents. Schools, intended as safe spaces for children, have become deserted out of fear of abductions and attacks.
The security situation is dire, with 5,135 fatalities recorded in the first seven months of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, according to the National Security Tracker under the Foreign Relations Council.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria maintains a centralized police structure, which is deemed inadequate. While initiatives like the mining police and Safe School Initiative are commendable, the impetus for change should come from the states.
The current policing system underserves Nigerians, with 371,000 police officers for a population of 223 million, a significant portion of whom are assigned to VIP protection. In the past, policing was decentralized to the regions during the First Republic, but this structure was dismantled by the military in favor of a centralized federal police system.
Unlike other federal nations that decentralize policing, Nigerian leaders have deployed military forces in joint operations across the states, which has not significantly improved security. These operations are marred by human rights violations and a lack of community trust and cooperation.
Concerns about potential misuse of state police for political oppression are valid, but similar issues exist with the federal police. For instance, recent clashes between federal police units during an attempted arrest underscore the need for stringent regulations and oversight to prevent abuse of power.
Therefore, Nigeria cannot afford further delays in establishing state police to address the country’s security challenges effectively.